Well someone had to win it right?

Steelers WR Hines Ward was voted the NFL’s dirtiest player in a poll of his peers by Sports Illustrated. The magazine surveyed 296 players, and Ward drew 11.6% of the vote.

Ward is regarded as one the league’s toughest players — and best blockers. Those traits converged last season when he broke Bengals LB Keith Rivers’ jaw with a block.

Last year, Ward did not apologize for his tough style in comments to SI. “When I go across the middle,” he said, “those guys aren’t going to tackle me softly and lay me down to the ground. That’s not football. I find it ironic that now you see a receiver delivering blows, and it’s an issue. But I haven’t changed. I’ve been doing it this way for 11 years.” Via USA TODAY

A warm congratulations from all of us here at Unathletic to all of you at Hines Ward Inc:  Where Assholes and Cheapshots Make a Career.

Seriously though, Ward is right.  What’s wrong with a receiver getting after it?  I mean we’re talking the biggest and most angry dudes in the world here all of which are after your head.  Is it so far fetched for one or two receivers to get amped up during the game?  And for them to take a shot here and there?  Hell no.  It’s why Ward has lasted so long and has been so consistent.  He doesn’t take any crap from any player.

And to show our appreciation for Hines, we’d like to share a few of his best highlights after the jump

Ward Highlights to ACDC

Ward Talking Trash

Ward Jacks up Ed Reed